Overview
- The new Substack TV app lets subscribers watch creators’ video posts and livestreams on television, with access matching each user’s free or paid subscription level.
- A recommendations-based For You row mixes videos from existing subscriptions with suggested content, and each publication has a dedicated page for browsing its videos.
- Planned additions include audio posts and read‑alouds, search and improved discovery, previews of paid content for free subscribers, in‑app upgrades, and sections for different shows within a publication.
- Early reaction on Substack’s announcement page featured significant pushback from writers and subscribers who argue the company is drifting from its focus on the written word.
- Substack framed the TV app as part of its broader move into video and livestreaming, drawing support from some high‑profile former TV journalists, and reporting points to growing openness to advertising after piloting native ads.